Rod, gun club is hidden surprise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Travis Rod and Gun Club is probably one of the best keep secrets on base. It is a volunteer organization that is almost strictly self sufficient.

"We are a volunteer organization strictly to support shooting safety." said retired Chief Master Sgt. Andy Popenoe, club president and volunteer instructor, and teach people to become champions."

There is a yearly Air Force championship in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Only about 50 percent of Air Force bases have a rod and gun club," Popenoe said. "Skeet became popular early in the Air Force. It teaches you how to lead your targets which was good training for shooting down aircraft."

The Travis Rod and Gun Club is a skeet, trap, sport and clay pigeon shooting range. Anyone on active duty and their families, reservists, retired military and DOD civilians can use the facilities. Although they have doubled their membership since last year they are always looking for new people to sustain the program.

"Out here rank doesn't count," Popenoe said. "It's your ability to shoot."

Anyone looking to learn how to shoot skeet can come to the facility for lessons. Skeet is a competitive target shooting sport that was invented in the U.S. in the 1920s by hunters who wanted to improve their aim for hunting season. Lessons are included in the membership fees which range from ten dollars to thirty depending on your rank, affiliation and time of year signed up. The membership fees are good for a year. Range fees are $3.50 which includes 25 targets.

The Travis Rod and Gun club does not have loner guns or ammo to buy, so be sure to bring your own when coming to the range. Eye and ear protection is required on the ranges.
The club is in the process of building a wobble trap, able to throw doubles. The range should be finished in September. This project is being completely funded by the club at no cost to the Air Force.

Anyone interested in becoming a member can stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Saturdays and Sundays. Turn right on Ellis Road, by Outdoor Recreation. The club is on the left, past Space A parking, turn onto the gravel road leading up to the clubhouse.